PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As medicine has advanced and new technological tools have emerged, life expectancy in the United States has always seemed to rise. However, there has been a historic drop over the past two years. It is the biggest two-year decline in a century — the expected lifespan has dropped 2.7 years.
Why the decline? The most significant factor has been the pandemic, followed by accidents and drug overdoses. A closer look suggests we focus on social determinants of health — things like health education, access to care and a commitment to address mental health issues.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
